New changes at Atlanta’s airport that you need to know before you go

ATLANTA, Ga. — If you’ll be fighting through the crowds at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport this holiday season, there have been some changes to help you get through security and the airport more quickly.

Channel 2’s Dave Huddleston has tips on how you can save time at the world’s busiest airport.

Traveler Laura Marie found getting through the airport on the Friday before Thanksgiving wasn’t too bad.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

“It’s pretty easy,” she said. She made sure to get there three hours before her flight.

“There might be delays, traffic, security might be backed up. You know you want them to take their time, so we just give ourselves time and we don’t rush,” Marie said.

Huddleston learned why getting there early is more important than ever.

The airport is going through a renovation and road construction and traffic lanes coming to the airport have shifted.

TRENDING STORIES:

• Death of Athens mother found naked and burned after sending cryptic text ruled suicide by M.E.
• Judge allows Saturday early voting in Senate runoff election
• Skeletal remains found near Canton river are 3rd body found in area in 5 months

The cell phone pickup lot has been moved to a new location. It’s now centrally located between the North and South terminals.

Airport executives say they will be ready for the more than two million passengers they expect between now and the Monday after Thanksgiving.

“Rest assured, this airport is prepared for our guests,” said Jan Lemmon, deputy general manager of the airport.

TSA workers said one way you can be prepared is by leaving your gun at home.

Once again, Atlanta is on track to lead the country with the number of loaded guns they confiscate at security checkpoints.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

“Take a breath before you leave for the airport and make sure you don’t have anything prohibited in your bag,” said TSA spokesperson Mark Howell. “Do a quick sweep before you leave. We’ve confiscated 402 weapons so far this year. Last year we took 455 handguns.”

Passenger Lisa Jones said if you’re rushing, you can’t check for weapons, let alone find a place to park.

“You need to leave at least three hours before your scheduled flight to make sure you can get parking, because parking is filling up quickly,” Jones said.

IN OTHER NEWS:

Iconic north Georgia barbecue restaurant shutting down at the end of the month

©2022 Cox Media Group